Pakistan: University issues notice to Hindu students for Holi celebrations
What's the story
The Dawood University of Engineering and Technology in Karachi, Pakistan has faced criticism for serving a show-cause notice to its Hindu students who celebrated the festival of Holi on campus. The university administration alleged these students chanted anti-state slogans during their celebrations. The incident has not only resulted in several First Information Reports (FIRs) being filed against the students involved but also sparked a nationwide debate on social media platforms.
Political response
Former National Assembly member questions university's actions
Former Pakistan National Assembly member Lal Malhi has openly criticized the university's actions. He took to social media to question, "Has the celebration of Holi now become a crime? Is celebrating Holi at a university considered an act against the state?" His statement resonated with many netizens and underscored concerns over the increasing criminalization of minority religious practices in Pakistan.
Social impact
Viral video and university notice fuel public debate
A viral video of the Holi celebration on the university campus and the show-cause notice issued by the administration have further stoked the public debate. Critics argue that these charges highlight a growing trend of marginalization faced by religious minorities in Pakistan. The Hindu community, despite being a small percentage of Pakistan's population, has long been subjected to systemic neglect and social exclusion.
Twitter Post
An X post on the notice and the celebration
Dawood University Karachi has issued a show-cause notice to some of its students for celebrating the Hindu festival of Holi without taking prior permission#holi #hindustudent #university #pakistan #dawooduni pic.twitter.com/3lxXUHoxpI
— Dileep kumar khatri🦚 (@DileepKumarPak) February 22, 2025
Minority struggles
Hindus in Pakistan: A community under duress
Hindus in Pakistan, especially in rural areas, are the worst affected by poverty, illiteracy, and lack of basic healthcare. In cities, they are met with limited job opportunities and social discrimination. The country's legal framework provides little protection to minorities with forced conversions and violence against Hindus being common. On a related note in December 2024, Rajender Meghwar became Pakistan's first Hindu police officer in the Police Service of Pakistan (PSP).